Request ID: FOI-1348-2122 Date published: 05 October 2021
You asked
Hi there
Under the FOI, please can you provide me with the list of all cameras locations for the planned ulez expansion zone in October 21.
We answered
TfL Ref: 1348- 2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 26 September 2021 asking for information about the ULEZ expansion.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked: Please can you provide me with the list of all cameras locations for the planned ULEZ expansion zone in October 2021.
Firstly, please note that we do not use separate camera networks to monitor and enforce different Road User Charging (RUC) schemes. Please see the attached spreadsheet for details of the locations of camera sites in the central London zone. This information applies to all RUC schemes, including the Congestion Charge and the current ULEZ.
In accordance with the EIR, we are not obliged to supply the location ofthe expanded ULEZ cameras as this is subject to a statutory exception to the rightof access to information under regulation 12(5)(g) where disclosure wouldhave adverse impacts on the environment.
The aim of both the LEZ and ULEZ schemes is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from driving in the area. It is not possible to have cameras on every single road within the ULEZ due to the sheer scale of the zone. Disclosures under EIR are considered as a disclosure to the ‘public at large’. Providing specific camera locations would encourage non compliancewith the ULEZ by enabling drivers to deliberately seek outthose roads which are known not to be covered by an enforcement camera. Essentially, if vehicle owners know they can avoid the charge by avoiding the cameras themselves, it removes the incentive to adapt their vehicle to meet the required emissions standards. This in turn will affect the necessary level of improvement in air quality. The locations of the cameras outside the central London zone are therefore exempt from disclosure under the Environmental Information Regulations exception 12(5)(g). Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’.
The Mayor has a statutory duty to take steps towards achieving Government air quality objectives, and reducing pollutants that are harmful to human health – the ULEZ forms a key part of this strategy for London. Disclosure of the camera locations would frustrate meeting those objectives.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. The ULEZ is a measure that is designed to improve the environment for everyone. However, in this case, disclosure of the individual camera locations will in itself defeat the purpose of the ULEZ, by encouraging non compliance for the reasons outlined above. Therefore, in this instance we feel that balance lies in favour of withholding the information.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
Sara Thomas FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
